How important is oral health and how does it affect our overall health?
It is very important to maintain proper oral hygiene. Brushing 2x a day with a highly fluoridated toothpaste, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash containing essential oils as a daily regimen is recommended. The mouth and body are integral to each other; our oral health is a key indicator of our overall health. A lot of systemic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease are related to oral health.
I need to have my tooth extracted but I can’t go to the dentist, what can I do for the meantime?
If you are unable to go to your dentist, please make sure to practice a good oral hygiene and keep yourself healthy by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
How to treat an abscessed tooth?
Tooth abscess is a serious dental health condition. Patient should immediately seek help from a dentist. To avoid such condition, practice proper oral care by brushing 2x a day with a highly fluoridated toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash containing essential oils.
How to deal with impacted wisdom tooth?
Consult your dentist online to see whether your impacted wisdom tooth should urgently be removed or not. If you’re experiencing pain, this can be treated with over the counter medicines. But before taking any medication, please consult your dentist.
Are there dental clinics that can accommodate emergency cases?
YES. For emergency cases and urgent cases, there are dental clinics that can accommodate patients. These are vital services that should be made available during quarantine period. All dental treatments need to be on a per appointment basis. For more information, please visit the PDA FB Page https://www.facebook.com/philippinedentalassociation.pda/.
How to treat bleeding gums, especially when experienced while brushing teeth?
Bleeding gums can be a sign that the teeth are dirty or there is a tartar buildup. Professional cleaning is therefore necessary. If unable to go to the dentist, try to manage it by carefully brushing your teeth. It’s best to use a soft bristle brush and a toothpaste therapeutically made for bleeding gums. Rinsing with mouthwash containing essential oils will also help kill and manage the bacteria that is causing the bleeding.
Bleeding gums can also be a sign of an underlying disease, please seek medical attention.
What is the cause of tooth sensitivity and how do I treat it at home?
Tooth sensitivity is normal if experienced for 1 to 2 seconds especially if we eat or drink something cold. However, if it persists for 5 to 10 seconds it could be dentin hypersensitivity or an underlying issue with your dentin and pulp. Some home remedies you can try includes avoiding the trigger, and brushing your teeth with an anti-sensitivity toothpaste and allowing it to stay there without rinsing. However, best to consult your dentist or doctor.
Is it okay not to have your braces adjusted for one month?
YES. There will be no adverse effects on your teeth or the treatment other than possible prolonged treatment time.
How to know if your mouth is germ-free?
Bacteria is always present in our mouth. In fact, the mouth is the dirtiest part of our body. Periodontal disease or gum disease, as well as bad breath, arise whenever bacteria multiply in our mouth. That is why it is important to brush our teeth frequently, floss, and rinse with mouthwash containing essential oils. Mouthwash has germ-kill properties that help manage the good bacteria in the mouth.
As poor oral health continues to be a serious problem in the Philippines, how do we prevent mouth problems and how can we maintain ideal oral health, especially in this time when we have limited access to dentists?
Prevention is the key. In order to have a healthy mouth and prevent oral diseases, practice proper oral hygiene by brushing your teeth, tongue and gums, flossing regularly, and rinsing with mouthwash containing essential oils.
How can we prevent having cracked teeth?
Be careful with what you eat and try to be conscious when you chew. Brush your teeth with a highly fluoridated toothpaste, 1500ppm for adults and 1000 ppm for children who cannot spit yet.
How can we prevent temporary pasta or filling from falling off?
As much as possible, avoid chewing on the side where your temporary pasta is, and switch to a healthy soft diet. However, temporary fillings usually last long.
How do you treat severe tooth decay with bleeding?
Keep it clean for now. Please avoid using toothpicks to reach in it. Just rinse heavily with mouthwash. If mouthwash is unavailable, an alternative is to rinse with salt water. Lastly, make sure you drink plenty of water. However, best to consult your dentist or doctor.
What is the cause and treatment for chalky white colored teeth?
Veneers. Discoloration is not usually a sign of unhealthy teeth; this might be caused by drinking water supplied from deep wells.
Can toddlers take pain relievers when experiencing toothache, since going to the dentist is not feasible now?
YES. Paracetamol can be taken, similar to what they take for fever. Please consult your dentist immediately regarding this.
What are the causes of mouth sores? And how can we treat them at home?
Mouth sores are usually viral. Some can be treated using antibacterial mouthwash and ointments. In some cases, having enough rest will do the trick, as mouth sores can also be manifestations of stress.
I still experience bad breath even after brushing my teeth, what could be the problem?
In some cases, bad breath may be due to irregular cleanings and checkups with your dentist. Brushing alone is not enough to thoroughly remove bacteria in your mouth, resulting to plaque and food buildup over time. Additionally, your diet could also be a cause of bad breath. Rinsing with mouthwash can help kill the bad breath causing germs, especially in areas that your toothbrush is not able to help with.
DISCLAIMER:
These FAQs are based on the Listerine FB Live Dental Consultation entitled Listerine Bibig Check-Up last April 23, 2020. The views and opinions discussed in the FAQs, by the dentist, do not necessarily reflect the views of Kenvue, JNTL Consumer Health (Philippines) Inc., and its respective management.
Discretion is advised.
